The Party
Itachi was sat under a canopy. Beside him were two bewitching geishas and standing directly behind him was his shark bodyguard looking as intimidating as ever. Shisui was beside the geisha to Itachi’s left, he appeared smug as if leading Haku and Naruto to Itachi had been his original intention the entire time.
"You." Haku hissed.
"Yes, me~" Itachi sang delighted.
"You led us right to you!"
"I did no such thing." Itachi chuckled. "But you might as well join me while you're here."
"I would rather not."
"That's perfectly fine. You can go and Naruto can stay." Itachi quipped as he made a shooing motion in Haku's directions.
"I would never let Naruto stay with you alone. We're both leaving."
"Come sit with me, Naruto." Itachi ordered, ignoring Haku.
Naruto almost crumbled at the overwhelming scent that Itachi was emanating. His red eyes were staring straight at him, hypotonic and terrifying. He knew how evil Itachi was and yet his legs still moved in Itachi’s direction.
"Naruto, no!" Haku attempted to stop Naruto but Naruto wasn't even paying attention to him. Naruto had submitted wholly and sat in the seat right across from Itachi.
Haku had no choice but to sit with his son.
"You look beautiful today, Naruto-chan. Orange is such a lovely color on you. I'd like to buy you a new kimono of the same color, would you like that?"
Naruto looked down at his hands to escape Itachi’s imploring gaze. He wanted to refuse Itachi’s offer because he knew that was what his mother would want him to do but he felt too scared to outright deny Itachi. "I would, thank you."
"Excellent, we can go into Konoha together tomorrow and I'll buy you the prettiest orange kimono we can find."
"That won't be happening. Naruto already has a prior engagement." Haku snipped.
"Well then cancel it."
"No." Haku said indigently.
"You're a bad liar, he has no prior engagement." Amusement colored Itachi's deep voice, "your hatred for me is always so entertaining but it'd be in your best interest to loosen the reigns for Naruto-chan's sake."
"It is for his sake that I'm not letting him be alone with you! We both know that you're not the type of man who can be trusted when you get a geisha alone!"
"You're still mad about that? You need to let go of the past. All that pent up anger has aged you horribly."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Wonderful! Now we can mend our relationship. We can start by you allowing Naruto to accompany me tomorrow."
"Like I said that will never happen."
Itachi sighed, "You're as exhausting as ever, Haku-chan. I didn't want to do this but you've given me no choice." Itachi gazed into Naruto’s eyes, "Naruto, do you love your mother?"
"Yes, of course I love him!" Naruto answered without taking a second.
"Well then you wouldn't want mommy to be hurt because of you would you?"
"No!"
"Then tell your mother to let you come to Konoha with me tomorrow or else Kisame is going to do something to mommy that will really hurt him."
Naruto didn't dare speak a word. He didn't know what to say. On one hand he wanted to do as Itachi had ordered but on the other he wanted to obey his mother's warning of staying clear of Itachi all together.
Haku glared daggers at Itachi. "You're despicable."
"I don't think Naruto-chan can speak right now," Itachi smiled charmingly. "So, what's your answer, mommy?"
"I would rather die than let Naruto be alone with you so do whatever you want to me."
"Who said anything about you being harmed? When I said hurt I meant emotionally not physically. I would break your heart by killing that alpha you're in love with. Zabuza, am I right?" Itachi grinned coyly. "Oh, don't look so surprised. I've known for a while. You have a particular scent and it clings to Zabuza occasionally. I must say I'm shocked you chose Zabuza on account that he's a samurai. He's constantly in danger and you omegas get so attached to your alphas you must constantly be worrying for him." Itachi drawled. "I'd hate to have him killed since I know it'd be devastating for you but it could be easily avoided if you give Naruto-chan permission."
Haku was at a loss for words. He hated Itachi so much that he didn't think his hatred could get any deeper but apparently he had been wrong. He was like an ancient serpent. If you cut off his head another one would grow back.
"I'll take your silence as a yes." Itachi grabbed his sake cup and raised it, "a toast to my and Naruto’s outing tomorrow!"
The geishas beside Itachi cheered and bumped their own sake glasses against his.
"Naruto you might as well sleep here tonight. We can set out tomorrow morning."
"If my mother can stay with me I will do as you say." Naruto was conflicted. Itachi terrified him but his body refused to listen. Itachi's scent must've been some kind of drug that had hypnotizing properties in it because that's how strongly it affected Naruto.
"Of course he can stay." Itachi affirmed. "The more the merrier."
"Thank you." Naruto bowed.
"Now that's all sorted out let's enjoy ourselves. This is a party, we should be having fun!"
The geishas agreed by pouring more sake into their and Itachi’s empty glasses.
"Girls, don't you think Naruto is the prettiest geisha you've ever seen?" Itachi asked nonchalantly as he took a drink. His eyes were settled on Naruto.
The geishas glared at Naruto. "I think Itachi-san has had too much to drink he's saying crazy things."
"No, Naruto is a doll." Shisui affirmed. "I haven't seen such a pretty geisha since you brought that last one for her mizuage all those years ago."
"Really? I don't think he even compares to that geisha." Itachi mused. "Naruto when will your mizuage be?"
"That's none of your business." Haku cut in.
"I thought we agreed to be friends, Haku-chan." Itachi exhaled tiredly, "Kisame, take Haku on a walk. He needs to calm down."
"No! Don't hurt him!" Naruto grabbed his mother’s hand.
"Don't worry Naruto-chan. I'm not going to hurt your mommy. Kisame is only going to take him on a stroll I promise."
Naruto locked eyes with Haku. He saw resignation in them. Like Haku was telling him he was going to be okay.
"Be careful little duck. I'll be right back."
"O-okay." Naruto murmured as he let his grip on Haku go.
He nervously watched as Kisame grabbed Haku's arm and took him from the table.
"Back to the conversation at hand, when will your mizuage be?" Itachi pressed.
"I-I’m not completely certain what it is, Itachi-san." Naruto confessed. He knew it was a ceremony where two became one but that was all. His only knowledge of the ceremony came from that tragic memory Haku had told him that day of his debut. After that Haku had never discussed the complete details of what took place during a mizuage with him though.
The two geishas scoffed.
"How don't you know what a mizuage is? I can't believe you actually call yourself a geisha!"
"Now, girls let's not be mean. You shouldn't judge Naruto-chan." Itachi reprimanded the two geishas, "You wouldn't know about that, huh, Cherry-chan."
"Why do you call him by such a ridiculous name?" One of the geishas giggled. She had been put off by the strange and sudden nickname.
"Let's just say he's a flower that hasn't been picked yet so his cherry is still ripe for the taking."
"Ah, Itachi-san that's shameful!" One of the geishas squealed as she playfully swatted Itachi’s broad chest with her fan. "But still he should know what a mizuage is if he's going to claim to be a geisha. It's offensive that he doesn't know."
"You're right, shall I educate him then?" Itachi offered while grinning a cheshire cat smile.
"Not now we're in public." The geishas blushed.
Itachi rolled his eyes, "don't pretend to have a sense a shame when you're a geisha. It's unbecoming especially when you were shamefully lapping up my seed last night like a dog tasting water for the first time."
The geishas eyes watered, tears began to streak down her face as she hung her head in embarrassment.
"But perhaps you're right. I should take Naruto somewhere quieter for such a delicate subject." Itachi stood and motioned for Naruto to take his hand. Naruto immediately obeyed.
"Take these two geishas names off the list. I hate the ones who act innocent." Itachi whispered to Kisame.
Kisame nodded in reply.
"Now come Cherry-chan. Let's go to the gazebo."
Naruto followed Itachi at a safe distance. He wanted enough room between them just incase Itachi did something. Itachi smelled angry. Naruto didn't know how he could assign an emotion to a scent but that's what the scent smelled like. It was metallic and hot. As if you got too close it'd erupt and the anger would overflow. Itachi didn't allow that though, he secured his arm around Naruto’s waist and pulled him so that they were practically glued to each others sides.
"I like it much better when there's no space between us, Cherry-chan." Itachi tightened his hold.
Naruto gulped. With Itachi’s much closer proximity his nerves doubled tenfold. He couldn't get away from Itachi’s overwhelming scent. He noted that the angry scent dimmed a little. Like a tide receding the smell was disappearing into the ocean.
"There isn't a scent as distressing as the smell of a scared omega to an alpha. Don't worry, Cherry-chan I'm not angry with you. I'm just taking you to the gazebo to dance I'm not actually going to explain to you what a mizuage is...yet."
"O-okay." Naruto felt far from reassured.
The gazebo was elevated over a pond. There were two big sakura trees hanging over it so the water was filled with floating cherry blossoms. There was a group of three men sitting at the side of gazebo steps playing music on instruments Naruto wasn't familiar with. They were shiny and looked to be made out of bronze. The gazebo was somewhat lonely looking. Only two couples were dancing in it.
Itachi wordlessly took Naruto’s hand as he helped him up the wooden gazebo steps. The three musicians stood and bowed as Itachi and Naruto made their way up. The two couples ceased their dancing when Itachi came into view. They bowed their heads. Just by appearing Itachi garnered respect. Naruto imagined this was probably how all royalty was greeted. He had never been greeted this way before and probably never would be.
"Do you want us to leave, Itachi-sama?" One of the old men asked. There was an unsure quaver in his gravely voice. It had taken him courage to ask the question.
"Don't presume such a thing. Enjoy yourself, pretend I'm not even here." Itachi placated the old man.
"Thank you, Itachi-sama." The old man thanked with a look of disbelief. He took a nervous glance at Itachi then went back to dancing. The atmosphere in the gazebo turned uncomfortably tense, the couples didn't look fully relaxed now that Itachi was present. Their movements were measured as if they would take one wrong step their lives would be over.
Naruto found it strange. Was Itachi’s presence nerve-wracking to others the same as it was to him?
"Shall we dance then?" Itachi asked but didn't wait for a response. He wrapped his arm tightly around Naruto’s waist and took Naruto’s hand in the other and raised it. Itachi began to move to the rhythm of the music; Naruto could do nothing but let himself be swept along. They glided across the stage, Itachi didn't seem to mind every time Naruto would clumsily stumble or get wrapped up in his kimono train. They kept dancing until the song ended.
"Did I tire you out, Cherry-chan?" Naruto was breathing hard, it was hard work to dance at a high tempo while wearing such high geta but he would never admit that to Itachi.
"No, I'm fine. Just catching my breath." Naruto panted.
"I forget what delicate little things you omegas are sometimes, forgive me." Itachi chuckled. "You can lean against me if you wish."
Naruto quickly shook his head. He didn't want to get closer to Itachi or his scent if necessary.
"Hmm, suit yourself." Itachi suddenly grabbed Naruto and picked him up so that his legs were dangling off the ground and he was cocooned squarely in Itachi’s arms.
"I-Itachi-san what are you doing!" Naruto exclaimed mortified. This was it. Mother had warned him that Itachi was a bad man and now Naruto was going to pay for his inability to refuse such a man.
"I can't in good conscience let you walk down these steps. I fear for your safety due to your exhausted state." Itachi explained.
"Oh..." Naruto felt guilty all of sudden. Itachi was just trying to help him. So far Itachi seemed like a decent man. He was intimidating and scary at times but he wasn't at all like the monster mother portrayed him to be and thinking that made Naruto feel even guiltier because Itachi was indeed a despicable man.
Naruto kept his head down as Itachi maneuvered them through the crowd. He was too embarrassed to meet the eyes of the guests. He concentrated on not letting Itachi’s scent get to him. He only raised his head when Itachi finally put him down.
"Caught yourself another one, eh Itachi-san." A man called out. He was seated at a square table and had an air of wealth around him. He spoke with that dignified accent that all nobles seemed to have.
"It would seem so." Itachi jested. "This newly debuted maiko's name is Naruto. Naruto this is Haruno-san."
"It's nice to meet you Haruno-san." Naruto bowed to the man. The man didn't even grace him with a glance.
"You always go for the geishas don't you?" Haruno-san taunted. "Where's the other pale one I saw you with last time?"
"Resting."
"Oh she's still around? I thought since you got a new one you would've gotten rid of her already."
"You know how Itachi likes to play his games." A man sitting beside Haruno-san joked offhandedly as he smoked on his pipe.
"Yes, don't we all know. He's a commendable man but for my daughters sake I'm relieved she married your brother and not you."
"Me marrying your daughter was never an option since I declined the offer you sent me, Haruno-san. But you're right I'm happy for my brother too."
Naruto's stomach knotted uncomfortably. Did Itachi have another brother? If not then the only person they could be talking about was Sasuke. That couldn't be...Sasuke was his love. If Sasuke was really married...
"Naruto are you okay?" Itachi inquired alarmed.
Naruto was seeing red. How could Sasuke be married? It didn't make sense to him. Like a poem with one word or a haiku with more than three lines, it made no sense at all!
"Excuse us for a moment. Naruto is feeling unwell."
"Of course, go tend to your plaything." Haruno-san smirked.
Itachi took Naruto aside to a secluded spot behind the trunk of a sakura tree so that they were semi-hidden from public view.
"Cherry-chan, you need to calm down."
Naruto couldn't hear what Itachi was saying. He was too focused on the anger and hurt of Sasuke’s marriage status. Who was the lucky person who got to relieve Sasuke of his loneliness? Did Sasuke love them? Of course he did or why else would he marry them! Naruto wanted to curse the heavens for betraying him like this.
"Wow, you're really worked up aren't you? People are going to start noticing your scent so I'm going to scent mark you so you can calm down," Itachi tilted Naruto’s chin up to expose his neck where a little bump raised against his skin was located, "your scent gland hasn't even been touched?" Itachi observed in amazement as he rubbed his thumb over the unblemished bump, "I'll try to hold back for your sake but you're so very tempting," Itachi exhaled then latched his mouth around the pulse point on Naruto’s neck. He bit until the bump began to secrete a smell that resembled his own.
"How do you feel now?" Itachi questioned after pulling away. He languidly lapped at the blood that accumulated on the bite mark. "You smell so much sweeter now."
"I feel different…better." Naruto blinked slowly. Everything looked tinted pink. Like everything was perfect. He felt so calm too. "What happened?"
"You got jealous over me having another geisha so you got angry. You omegas are territorial but you usually only get that way with an alpha you want to mate with so I was shocked. I didn't know you liked me like that, Cherry-chan?" Itachi probed pleased.
"Huh?" Naruto realized Itachi must've been confused because the person he had gotten jealous over was Sasuke but he knew better than to say that out loud. "I've never experienced a feeling like that before. It felt like my blood had turned into fire."
"I know I could tell. It's perfectly fine though, I'm happy I was the first to scent mark you."
"Scent mark?" Naruto voiced the strange word.
"It’s one of the ways an alpha can sway an omega’s mood."
"How?" Naruto didn't understand it at all. How could Itachi change his mood just by biting his neck!
"Let's just say it's magic, Cherry-chan."
"You love lying to omegas so much Itachi-san you should make it a career." Deidara flitted into the conversation. Naruto had forgotten all about Deidara, that meeting outside the gates seemed like it had happened years ago.
"Deidara I thought we had a deal, you were to stay away from me for the entire duration of the party in exchange for bribing my uncle to leave you alone for the day." Itachi replied. He was unperturbed by the animosity in Deidara's tone.
"I know that!" Deidara huffed sassily, "but I thought you'd like to know that your 'little bitch' is wandering around inside looking for you!"
"What?" For the first time since Naruto had met Itachi he looked worried. The foreign expression made Itachi’s rugged features appear of that of a much younger man.
"I was lounging in the entertainment room and she walked right in and asked for you. It's shameless if you ask me, can you be-"
"Deidara enough!" Itachi roared.
The furious yell shut Deidara right up but it had also scared the living daylights out of Naruto. He whimpered, his instincts were telling him that an alpha was angry and therefore he should cower.
"Shh, shh. I'm not mad at you." Itachi cooed to Naruto. He ran his thumb reassuringly against the scent mark on Naruto’s neck to calm him down. "Was that the last place you seen her?"
"Yup."
Itachi sighed. He looked almost human. Naruto hadn't known the perfect Itachi Uchiha could look so distraught, "Okay, stay here with Naruto. I'll be back as soon as I sort her out."
"What do I get in return for staying with him, hmm? I'm putting myself at risk here; if I stay out here your uncle might see me. I deserve a reward."
"We'll discuss the manner of your payment later just make sure he doesn't get into trouble." Itachi dropped his hand from Naruto’s neck, "it's unfortunate I have to leave you Cherry-chan when things were just starting to get fun. I'll be back as soon as I can my little toy."
Naruto nodded. He wasn't sad to see Itachi go. He was elated; maybe with Itachi gone he could finally regain his normal thought process and not be affected by Itachi’s scent. He could also go find his mother!
Itachi left leaving Deidara and Naruto alone together.
"Don't be fooled. It wasn't magic that he did to you." Deidara drawled while glaring at the bite mark on Naruto’s neck.
"Huh?" Naruto was surprised by the sudden change in Deidara’s expression.
"He infused some of his alpha pheromones into you so you could calm down. You should feel honored an alpha of his status scent marked you." Deidara glared.
"I-I don't know what to say." Naruto said awkwardly. It wasn't like he had asked Itachi to do it so why did Deidara sound angry with him?
"You could say thank you. Or better yet you could say sorry to me for going after my customer. You haven't been a geisha for long or else you'd have known that geishas don't go after others favorite customers!" Deidara said so coldly it was a wonder his words hadn't turned to ice.
"Sorry!" Naruto hadn't learned of that yet. "I didn't go after Itachi-san though, he came to me and asked me to join him!"
"Well then next time be a good little sister and refuse him!" Deidara replied haughtily, "Ugh I can't stand it knowing his scent is still on you!" Deidara took an even breath, "you know there aren't many perks of being a beta. Actually I’d argue that there are none except one and that is that we are neutral so we have the ability to dissipate scents. It's an ability that's otherwise useless except in situations like this," without warning Deidara chomped down on Naruto’s scent gland and sucked deeply, "there, much better now you smell like nothing of Itachi-sama!"
Naruto clutched his throbbing neck. It stung so bad it was actually pulsating. He pulled his hand away and sure enough there was blood.
"Don't make that face. You deserved it." Deidara said snootily. "You actually deserve much more..." Deidara looked around and located a man dressed in the dark green uniform of a commander general, "Genma-san!" Deidara called to get the man’s attention. "Come over here, I have a present for you!"
Genma happily walked over at the promise of a gift.
"Present you say?" Genma inquired.
"Yes, my little sister here is a newly debuted geisha. He's an omega and doesn't know all the rules yet so I thought maybe you could teach him?"
"An omega?" Genma raised a thick brow as his eyes hungrily roved over Naruto’s body. "Yes, I can definitely do that. What do you want me to teach him?"
"Our job as a geisha is to entertain men so teach my friend here how it is exactly that a geisha can entertain a man. I'm going to go find another pervert to have fun with. Ba-bye."
"Wait! Aren't you supposed to stay with me?" Naruto didn't want to be left alone with Genma. The man was practically dripping with bad intentions.
"I have my pride as a man, I won't babysit the little plaything of the man that I love." Deidara snarled, "Enjoy your present, pervert." Deidara kissed Genma on the cheek then sauntered off.
"So, you're an omega? What's a pretty little thing like you running around being a geisha for? I bet your mommy and daddy are devastated that their son became a geisha. What you need is an alpha like me to bond you. You won't ever have to work again." Genma dragged his hand up Naruto’s thigh, his hot breath tickled Naruto’s ear as he spoke, "so what do you say, can I bond you?"
Genma’s scent was making Naruto’s stomach turn. It was the exact same smell that those guards from earlier had emitted. It made him feel gross.
"Hey, answer me when I ask you a question!" Genma hissed. He yanked the back of Naruto’s hair so that Naruto’s neck was exposed. Pain bloomed where Genma was pulling. Naruto could feel his hairdo loosen with the tugging.
"Lesson number one, omegas should answer when an alpha asks them a question." Genma spoke along Naruto’s neck.
Naruto was shaking. He was scared. Genma’s lips were close to the bite mark Itachi had given him. If Genma bit him too then he wouldn't be able to handle it. The fear of being bit gave Naruto a jolt of adrenaline. He twisted out of Genma’s hold, pulling his own hair in the process and ran as fast as he could.
"Get back here!" Naruto could hear Genma holler from behind him. It only fueled him with more adrenaline. He felt tears come to his eyes. Why were people so mean? Those guards, Deidara, Shisui, Hidan, Genma...Naruto cried harder. He wanted his mother. Naruto's eyes were so watery that he didn't see the person in front of him until it was too late. He collided with them and tumbled to the floor. He fell onto his arm and heard it crack.
How perfect, more pain. Naruto groaned as he hugged his arm to his chest.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't see you. I was looking for my-never mind that, are you okay?"
Naruto looked up at the person he had smacked into. His breath caught in his throat. The girl standing before him was ethereal. Her kimono was made of a glittering pink fabric. It flowed like water all around her. He had never seen a kimono move so smoothly. Her face was like the moon and her cheeks were a pretty hue of pink. Her jade green eyes sparkled like two gems it was almost like someone had liquefied a jade stone and poured them into her eyes. She had a light pink collar around her neck studded with lavish pink diamonds. Perhaps the most bewitching thing about her though was her hair. It was the color of sakura petals. Naruto had never seen anything like it. A goddess was the only word Naruto could come up with to describe her.
"I-I'm fine. I just hurt my arm." Naruto quaked. He tried to get up but his geta paired with his injured arm made it difficult.
"You poor thing." The beautiful woman tsked. "Here, take my hand."
Naruto reluctantly grabbed the woman’s hand. He felt shy touching someone so perfect.
"Thank you for helping me." Naruto bowed. "I should've watched where I was going."
"No, no. It's not your fault I should've been more vigilant." The woman crooned as she eyed Naruto’s hurt arm. "Let me take you to get that bandaged before it swells up please?"
"Y-yes!" Naruto didn't think he could refuse her anything. When a goddess tells you something naturally you're going to listen to her.
Naruto followed the girl into the palace. Along the way Naruto noticed many people bowed to her. It made sense, with her looks she had to be from a very high royal family. He wondered which one.
The girl led Naruto up two sets of stairs then down a hall to a room.
"Sit on the bed. I'm going to go get a bandage from the bathroom to wrap your arm up." The girl motioned to the bed then scurried off to an adjoining door, which Naruto concluded was the bathroom.
Naruto did as told and sat on the edge of the spacious bed. He nervously glanced around. The room was easily bigger than Haku's apartment. The size of the window alone was as big as four doors put together. There was no tatami mat just a glimmering hard wooden floor. The walls were decorated with scrolls of calligraphy and paintings of nature that were framed in gold. So this was how the rich lived. There was a nice smell swirling in the room. If felt familiar.
"Sorry I took so long I couldn't find the bandage." The girl apologized. She walked over and sat on Naruto’s side. "Put your arm out so I can wrap it." She instructed.
Naruto winced as he stretched his arm; he pulled back the heavy sleeve of his kimono to expose his arm. He bit his tongue when the girl began to wrap the bandage around it. Her fingers were soft and gentle against his skin they were so relaxing that it numbed some of the pain but only a small amount.
"Thankfully it isn't broken." The girl hummed as she finished. "There you go, it should feel better by tomorrow."
"Thank you so much." Naruto was so thankful he wanted to hug her.
"You're adorable." The girl giggled. "I don't think I introduced myself? I'm Sakura, what's your name?"
"It's Naruto." Naruto responded shyly.
"Well Naruto, I noticed that your hair has come undone in the back. Do you mind if I fix it for you?"
"I don't mind at all!" Naruto shook his head eagerly.
Sakura laughed. "Okay hold still." Sakura got to work quickly. She carefully slid Naruto’s kanzashi along with the cherry blossoms in his hair out and set them on the bed beside him. After that she undid the elaborate top do and combed Naruto’s hair out so that it flowed freely down his back.
"I think you look much cuter with your hair down." Sakura observed out loud as she ran her fingers through Naruto’s blonde hair.
Naruto felt so at ease with Sakura strumming her fingers through his hair. He didn't know if it was her or if it was her scent. It smelled of sweet milk, it instinctually made Naruto feel protected and safe as if Sakura were his mother.
"Sakura-san I have an urgent message from your husband. He says he won't be able to arrive until later tonight due to an unforeseen circumstance." Iruka fretted as he came rushing into the room.
Sakura's scent turned acidic. It instantly shattered the safe and warm feeling Naruto had been feeling.
"I knew he was going to do this." Sakura's pink brows knitted together in anger. "I need some air." Sakura strode to the large window and yanked the double doors open exposing a balcony.
"My poor suffering mistress." Iruka shook his head sadly. "He always does this to her."
"Is Sakura-san going to be okay?" Naruto wanted to go comfort her. He didn't completely understand the situation but he didn't like to see Sakura sad.
"Oh it's you," Iruka blinked surprised. He had failed to notice Naruto’s presence in the room. "That geisha you came with is out there looking for you. Told me to tell you if I saw you."
"Mother?" Naruto had forgotten all about how he had been searching for Haku before bumping into Sakura. He had to find him before Itachi returned. "Excuse me, I have to go. Please tell Sakura-san when she feels better that I'm terribly sorry for leaving so suddenly!"
Naruto hurried out the room and walked as fast as he could back outside to the party. He scanned and by the grace of the gods he managed to locate Haku. He jogged until he reached his mother's side.
"I've been looking everywhere for you!" Haku squished Naruto to his chest and suffocated him with an airtight hug.
"Sorry." Naruto winced, "you're squishing my arm it hurts!"
"What happened to your arm?" Haku peeled back Naruto’s kimono sleeve as soon as he did his eyes doubled, "Did that monster do this to you? I'm going to bury him alive! How dare he-"
"Mother it wasn't Itachi-san! I accidentally bumped into someone and fell on it I swear!"
Haku's anger dissipated a little with Naruto's explanation but a look of worry remained. "You can't be so clumsy, little duck. It worries me."
"I know, I'm sorry."
Haku sighed, "where were you and why aren't you with Itachi? I barely shook that shark man off."
"He had to go attend to some emergency, to be honest I wasn't paying attention. He looked worried though it was strange."
"No wonder it felt like Kisame was so easy to get rid off, he probably went to go help Itachi with whatever mess he's created. At least he's finally left you alone, I was going sick with worry thinking about what he could be doing to you." Haku looked Naruto over, his eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the deep bite mark on Naruto’s neck. "That bastard scent marked you!" Haku yelled, a few party guest nearby actually turned to stare in their direction. They looked away when Haku bowed in apology for being so disruptive. "Little duck, what do you say we leave this party early? I never did intend to sleep over just so that bastard could take you shopping."
"Leave early? " Naruto could not hide the disappointment in his voice.
"Yes, before that snake slithers back to the party."
"But Sasuke..." Naruto hadn't got to see Sasuke yet. Sasuke was the sole reason he had even wanted to come to this party in the first place. Despite what he had learned about his love he at least wanted to get a glimpse of his face. He was a fool in love and even the possibility of Sasuke having a wife couldn't deter him. Maybe it was unhealthy to be this in love?
"What was that?"
"Nothing." Naruto hung his head. "I agree. We should go."
Haku grabbed Naruto's hand and maneuvered them through the party and back to the front gate.
"Trying to leave early?" Kakashi greeted them with a bored expression. He was reclined atop of the gate ledge while reading a book.
"Open the gate." Haku demanded.
"Can't do that. My master ordered me that under no circumstance am I to let Naruto leave."
"That's ridiculous! Itachi can't keep us prisoner here!"
Kakashi put his book down and yawned. "My master said that you were free to leave but your son has to stay so technically you're not a prisoner."
"This is kidnapping, it's against the law!"
"This is the Uchiha’s we're talking about, we both know the laws don't apply to them the way they do to everyday people like you and me."
"That's nonsense!" Haku banged his fist against the heavy gate. "Let us out! Do you hear me! Let us out!"
"Why should I do that? Why risk my own head for the both of yours?"
"Because if we stay here your master will bed my son. Do you hear me! He's going to take my most precious person and rape him!"
"I warned you before entering to take your son far way from this party."
"I know that and I should've listened to you! Now let us out!"
"I'm going to have to ask you to stop screaming. My master will get mad if he hears that you caused a ruckus."
"Your master can rot in hell for all I care now let us out! You cant-"
In the blink of an eye Kakashi had jumped down from the gate and silenced Haku with a swift chop to his neck. He fell limply against Kakashi's chest.
"What did you do to my mother!" Naruto screeched. He attempted to wake Haku by shaking him. "Why won't he wake up!"
"Listen kid, your mother is fine I just put him to sleep. Now put a sock in it or else I'm gonna have to do this to you too."
Naruto hesitantly nodded. He held Haku's hand, it felt so cold.
"I'm going to go inform my master about what's happened here. Can I trust you to stay here until I return?"
"Yes." Naruto lied. As soon as Kakashi left he was going to find some rope and tie Haku to his back and then jump the gate. It'd be hard but he knew he had to do it.
Kakashi sighed loudly. "A boy who can't even lie will be swallowed up whole." Kakashi muttered.
"What does that mean?"
Naruto never got to hear Kakashi's answer. He felt a thump on his neck and then everything faded to black. The last thing he felt was Kakashi's arms hoisting him up and putting him over his shoulder.
When Naruto woke up he was in a room he had never seen before. He surveyed the space around him. It was big but otherwise devoid of furniture except for a bed and a vanity. The window was closed but the curtain was drawn so he could see the sky outside. The moon was already out. Where was he and how long had he been out for?
The events of earlier came rushing back to him. That's right, he was in the Uchiha palace!
"Mother are you in here?" Naruto called out into the darkened room.
No response. The absence of his mother heightened Naruto’s nerves. Where was Haku? Naruto was worried and he knew his mother was probably just as worried if not more worried than him. This was not the time to be afraid. He had to do something!
Naruto made up his mind, he was going to go search for Haku. He couldn't be that far could he?
Naruto had been wrong-oh so very wrong. He had searched every room in the hall and each one was empty. How could an entire hall full of rooms all not have a single person in them? He sneaked up the flight of stairs at the end of the hall. When he rounded the corner Naruto heard the sound of heavy footsteps. He ducked down and crawled into the room closest to him. He held his breath until he couldn't hear the footsteps anymore.
He stood up, by the grace of pure luck he hadn't been seen. He turned to exit the room but then heard a familiar soft sigh coming from the direction of the bed.
"Mother!" Naruto jumped onto the bed and kneeled his head onto his mother’s chest. "I was looking everywhere for you, are you okay?"
Naruto only got another soft sigh for a reply. Haku was deep in sleep; whatever Kakashi had done to him had put him out cold. Naruto frowned. His mother looked so defenseless like this, without his usual dignified proud expression he looked not like himself. It was uncomfortable to see. Naruto didn't like it. Whoever had put Haku on the bed had carelessly just thrown him. Naruto straightened his mother out so that he was in a more comfortable position. The new position changed nothing; Haku still looked not like his self.
"Mother...I'm sorry. If it wasn't for me you wouldn't be here right now." Naruto held back the urge to cry. "I made you come just because I selfishly wanted to see Sasuke but it was all for nothing." Naruto couldn't hold back the tears. The stress of everything that had transpired that day came down all at once. Everything had all been for nothing.
All the training, the pining, the suffering...all for a man who didn't even want him. Fate was cruel.
Naruto felt bad for his self but he felt even worse for his mother. Haku had trained him, loved him, fed him, given him everything even his most cherished possession, which was his kanzashi.... Naruto gasped. He had accidentally left his kanzashi in that room where Sakura-chan had bandaged his arm!
He had to get it back; he couldn't leave Haku's most cherished possession especially since he had already let Haku down today. He was going to have to sneak through the palace and find that room. He undid his obi and took off his heavy outer kimono then his geta so that he was left with only his tabi socks and hiyoku, this way he'd be lighter and wouldn't make any noise while going about the palace. He also decided to wipe the paint off his face with his obi, it'd be easier to spot him in the darkness if his face was painted bright white.
"I'll be right back, mother." Naruto kissed Haku's cheek then sneaked out of the room. He checked to see if the coast was clear before walking fully into the hall.
Naruto couldn't really remember the route to the room but he could recall that it was on the third floor because he remembered mentally complaining how going up so many steps made his legs burn. So he went up to the third floor. The hall looked familiar which made Naruto feel good; it meant he was going the right way. There were so many doors though if he carelessly went and checked each one he might get caught. He dug deep in his brain to try and remember which room it was and then it came to him, it was the door at the very end of the hall! Naruto padded quickly to it, he contemplated knocking but then thought why should he? It wasn't like this was Sakura's actual room right? With that thought in mind Naruto pulled the silver handles and opened the double doors. Instantly a strong metallic scent assaulted his senses. So strong that it almost brought him to his knees. Blood. It was a smell he had grown up knowing very well thanks to the many beatings he had received from Tsunade.
Naruto carefully tiptoed into the darkened room. He couldn't locate the source of the blood. There was a trail of it beginning from the door entrance leading all the way to the lit bathroom. He could hear the sound of water splashing and labored breathing. Whoever had made the blood trail was obviously in there.
Naruto knew he should turn back, go away and pretend he hadn't seen anything but he couldn't. His intuition was goading him to investigate. He just had to know who it was no matter the price he'd have to pay later.
Naruto silently crept to the bathroom. When he saw the source of all the blood he began to cry. What a horrible sight. Sasuke was covered in blood; his beautiful face had blood smears all over it. His shirt had been ripped open; Naruto could see his exposed chest and the blood that covered it. His usually styled hair was in disarray and his face was full of pain.
"Who did this to you?" Naruto cried.
"Naruto?" Sasuke exclaimed surprised, "what are you doing here?!"
"Never mind what I'm doing here! You need medical attention!" There was no time for formalities when Sasuke was literally bleeding out right before his eyes.
"This isn't all my blood." Sasuke discarded his torn shirt and pivoted his body towards Naruto, "I only got a small slice on my chest, see? No need to worry."
"Who hurt you!" Naruto repeated. He was so distraught he could hardly think. All he knew was that he wanted to hurt the person that had harmed Sasuke. Even though Sasuke had hurt him by betraying him Naruto still didn't want any harm to come to him. "I'll kill anyone who hurts you!"
Naruto could tell by the way Sasuke's expression changed that his declaration shocked him.
"Naruto look at me." Sasuke bent down so that he was face level with Naruto, "I'm fine so please calm down. Your scent is making it really hard for me."
"I can't calm down?" Naruto was in hysterics. He literally couldn't calm down. At first he really had been crying because of Sasuke’s injury but now he couldn't reign in his emotions. There was bloodlust like he had never felt before coursing through his veins. How dare anyone hurt Sasuke!
"Your scent is too much for me." Sasuke murmured so low that not even Naruto could hear, "I shouldn't do this but...I'm going to help you calm down okay?"
Naruto nodded eagerly. He knew exactly what that meant.
A scent mark.
He'd readily accept it and the pain that came with it if it was coming from Sasuke. He flipped his hair over his shoulder and craned his neck to the side so that Sasuke could have clear access to his scent gland.
"I see so someone's already scent marked you, no wonder you knew what I meant." There was a strange undertone in Sasuke's voice. It made Naruto feel dirty; he wanted to scrub away the evidence of Itachi’s bite so that he could present Sasuke with a new unblemished neck.
"Only once and it was today!"
"You don't have to explain yourself to me, crybaby. I'm not your alpha." Sasuke tangled his hand in the back of Naruto’s hair, he pulled back slightly so that Naruto’s scent gland was pushed up right against his lips. Sasuke’s words didn't match his actions at all. Sasuke had to care at least a little or why else was he being so rough?
"I'm sorry." Naruto brought his hand up and caressed Sasuke’s bloody cheek, "I'm going crazy I think."
"You aren't going crazy, you're just a protective omega." Sasuke said sorrowfully then chomped down.
Naruto's body went lax. His eyes closed and his mouth popped open as a silent scream made its way out. His mind and body both felt instantly calm. It was so good, so much better than the feeling Itachi had given him earlier. There was no pain only calming pleasure. It actually brought tears to his eyes.
"You really are such a crybaby." Sasuke chuckled. He gazed down at Naruto’s serene face as he did he unconsciously rubbed Naruto’s back.
"I can't help it." Naruto wiped at his tears. "You made me feel good, Sasuke-san."
"Well I guess I couldn't help myself either, I don't like the scent of a worried omega. Especially yours, it's strong."
"Is it really that bad?" Naruto wondered out loud. Itachi had said something similar.
"Yes, it's excruciating for an alpha." Sasuke suddenly licked Naruto’s neck, "sorry there was some blood from my scent mark, it almost dripped onto your clothes."
"Oh." Naruto blushed. His heartbeat skyrocketed. He was suddenly hyperaware that he was currently being doted on by the love of his life. "Thank you, Sasuke-san." Naruto took a step back so that he could bow properly. Now that the adrenaline from seeing Sasuke soaked in blood was wearing away Naruto was beginning to get shy. He had just made a complete fool of himself by causing a scene. "Sorry, I caused you so much trouble. I couldn't control myself, blood scares me. I hate the smell of it. Even worse I hate the sight of it, it's such a harsh color." Naruto looked pointedly down at his feet for emphasis. His white tabi socks had been dyed red by the blood on the floor.
A hue of pink suddenly tinged across Sasuke's pale cheeks. "Are you aware of your state of dress?"
Naruto shook his head confused.
"Where is your kimono? Why are you wandering around this late at night in only your hiyoku?"
Naruto's face burned red. He had forgotten that he had taken off his heavy kimono so that he could move easier through the palace. "You see I-" Naruto paused, should he tell Sasuke the truth? He was going to have to because he couldn't find it in himself to lie. "It's a long story."
"Save it and wait right here," Sasuke left the bathroom and came back a few prolonged minutes later with a yukata. It was pink and was decorated with gold patterns of flowers in full bloom. "Put this on, I'll wait for you outside while you dress."
"T-thank you." Naruto bowed. He kept his face in check until Sasuke exited the bathroom and then grinned like mad. Sasuke was so cute.
He changed fast then went out into the room. Sasuke was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting when Naruto came out.
"Thank you for the yukata...I'll cherish it forever." Naruto meant that. It'd serve as a memento of this day.
"You say the strangest things." Sasuke observed amused.
"Sorry."
"Don't be."
There was a static silence that ensued. Sasuke broke it by clearing his throat. "Anyways you never answered me. What were you doing wandering around the palace so late? Better yet why are you even here, the party ended hours ago?"
Naruto twiddled his hair nervously. "I came to the party because you invited me but I couldn't find you. Itachi-san ended up accompanying me and he invited me to spend the night so we could go shopping tomorrow-"
"You know my brother?"
"Yes, Itachi-san was present the day of my debut a week ago. He also invited me to the party today."
"Shit." Sasuke cursed, "my brother didn't do anything to you right?"
"No!" Naruto told the truth, "he is a bit forceful but Itachi-san is otherwise pleasant to me."
"What do you mean forceful?" Sasuke growled.
"I tried to leave the party but Itachi-san didn't allow it, he forced me to stay." Naruto explained. “I don't think Itachi-san likes being told no."
"That asshole-"
"But I'm happy he did!" Naruto interjected.
"Huh?"
"You see if he hadn't I wouldn't have gotten to see you." Naruto looked down shyly as he spoke, "I waited all day to see you so I'm happy." Naruto touched his neck where Sasuke had bitten him, "even if this is the last time I'm really happy."
Sasuke was silent. When he finally opened his mouth to reply he was cut off by the door bolting open. Sakura waltzed in dressed in a night robe and holding a glass of wine.
"Kakashi informed me you arrived, why didn't you-" Sakura's words died on her lips when she spotted Naruto. Shock swam in her jade green eyes, "what is this? Why are you here?"
"Sakura-san?" Naruto held an identical expression of shock. Why was she here? Naruto already knew the answer to that question. Of course it was so obvious it was laughable. It would explain why Sakura knew her way around the Uchiha palace so well and why everyone bowed to her and also why Iruka who worked for the Uchiha household regarded Sakura as a boss. She was an Uchiha-not by blood but by marriage.
How appropriate that Sasuke would have a mortal goddess for a wife.
"What are you doing here alone with my husband and why do you smell of him?" Sakura's once lovely face appeared as if it belonged to a completely different person. When Naruto had met her earlier he had never imagined that a goddess like her could resemble a devil. "Did you scent mark him?" Sakura grabbed Naruto’s chin and pulled his head up. She screamed at the sight of the bloody bite mark.
"Do you like insulting me?" Sakura jabbed her finger in Sasuke’s face. "You stay out all day, come home late, bring a whore to our bedroom, scent mark him, and give him my clothes to wear! Are you trying to break me?" Sakura sobbed.
"It's not like that."
"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding Sakura-san! I only came here to get my kanzashi. I accidentally forgot it. When I came in I found Sasuke-san bleeding so I-"
"Shut up, whore!" Sakura wailed, "I helped you earlier. I bandaged your arm and showed you nothing but kindness and here I find you with my husband! I should've known not to trust a filthy geisha." Sakura slapped Naruto.
The sharp smack was enough for Naruto to stagger back.
"Sakura enough." Sasuke warned.
"No! I have to beg you everyday to scent mark me because you won't bond me and you go and scent mark this whore as if it means nothing?!" Sakura wailed. "Haven't I suffered enough? I despise you!" Sakura flipped her wine glass and dumped the liquid all over the top of Sasuke’s head then stormed out the room.
Naruto was speechless. That had been the last thing he had expected to happen. He was filled with so many conflicting emotions he didn't know how to react or what to say. A part of him wanted to leave and never comeback, Sasuke was a taken man already so he should do just that but another part of him wanted to go find Sakura and make her apologize for assaulting them and then there was a smaller more selfish part that wanted Sasuke all to himself.
"Sorry, she gets like that every time she drinks. She won't remember any of this tomorrow." Sasuke’s hair was dripping with wine; the liquid had actually washed off some of the blood but not much. "I'm going to go see if she's okay."
With that one sentence Naruto knew his answer. Sasuke cared more about Sakura than Naruto could ever handle. He was never going to win, he didn't even have the option of being selfish because Sasuke wasn't and never would be his.
"Before you go I'd like to say something."
Sasuke stilled and inclined his head in a gesture for Naruto to continue.
"That day you stopped me from jumping off the bridge you saved me. And not just my life but you gave me a purpose to live. I wanted to be a geisha because of you. I thought that by becoming one I could somehow find you and cure your loneliness. I'm happy that you found someone else to help you." Naruto smiled brightly to mask his aching heart, he pulled out the monogrammed silk handkerchief he always carried. He ran his thumb against the S. U. stitched into the cloth. He had done it so many times it was a habit. "Here, you can use it to clean yourself up I don't need it anymore." Naruto set the cloth on Sasuke's lap.
"What is this?" Sasuke’s eyes widened with realization when he picked it up, "you kept it all this time?"
Naruto smiled sadly. "Yes, it was my most cherished possession and now I'm returning it back to you. Thank you for everything Sasuke-san. I'm truly happy that you're not lonely anymore." Naruto ran out the room before Sasuke could see him cry.
Later that night as he laid in bed Naruto prayed that by tomorrow he would be able to forget the pain of losing his first and only love because the pain of giving Sasuke up was too much to bare.